Application Accessibility

CU Boulder is morally and ethically committed to communicating information to all individuals in a manner that enables them to achieve their academic and professional goals and aspirations. In order to uphold this commitment, the University maintains a digital accessibility program. As a service of CU’s College of Arts & Sciences, BuffsCreate aligns as closely with the University’s digital accessibility program as the applications available through BuffsCreate allow. This guide provides an accessibility overview for the most commonly used BuffsCreate applications and, wherever possible, provides links to industry or community generated guidance on creating accessible websites via these applications.

Accessibility and WordPress

WordPress has two simple approaches to accessibility:

Following web design standards and best practices when building new features and themes. Find WordPress themes tested and approved for accessibility standards. If you are unsure about which theme to use Twenty Fourteencomes highly recommended by WordPress.

Addressing accessibility issues on a case-by-case basis. Contact WordPress with specific accessibility problems that you encounter.

WordPress tips for making a blog accessible:

Write descriptive captions: If you use an image with your blog (or anywhere on your website) include a descriptive caption that can enhance how anyone, but specifically people using screen readers, experiences the image.

Write descriptive links: If you embed a link in your blog (or anywhere on your website) signal where that link leads with a clarifying description such as WordPress Support- General Accessibility, rather than Click here.

Use color thoughtfully: Ensure that text color and background color are high contrast for easy readability. If you use color in a template or table, make sure that color is not the only method used to convey critical information.

Structure “readable” lists: If you include a list in your entry, do not leave empty lines or column breaks between items. Additionally, do not switch between initial list marker types (colons, asterisks or hash signs) in one list.